Thursday, April 05, 2007

Going to Jail

Tuesday night I went to the local prison with my husband and another member of our church. Tom and I used to minister at Riker’s Island (the women division) back in New York. It was different ministering to people who were in what you would imagine to be dire circumstances. Some of them were there simply as a way to get out of their cells and others wanted to hear about God.

Tom bought his guitar to sing and the plan was to just do some dream interpretations and give some life readings (prophetic words). Our church has been trained to interpret dreams from Streams Ministries. It’s a biblical model of dream interpretation.

The men we ministered to have had other church groups come and this is always a treat for them. In June we are going to the prison to teach, Course 101, The Art of Hearing God. Imagine teaching inmates lessons in character, lawlessness and submission to authority, as well as learning to hear God speak. I believe it will make a difference for them.

When the men entered the room (we met in the prison library) they were a bit guarded, but polite. After Tom introduced everyone he started to play and I closed my eyes and could sense the atmosphere in the room being a bit harsh. As we worshipped, I could feel things soften and the mood of the room change. Worship has a way of doing that.

Tom spoke briefly and shared what having cancer has taught us. One of the things he told them was that we enjoy the good days, endure the bad days but keep moving forward. To keep moving forward through it all was the key. He did a great job conveying hope.

He asked if any of them had any dreams. As each dream was interpreted and some prophetic words given you can feel the excitement grow in the room. The men seemed very encouraged. I felt like we imparted some hope to them. You know it’s a good sign when they asked us questions about our church and where it was. I believe we will see some of these guys on a Sunday.

The evening ended with one of the men asking if Tom could sing one more song and if they could pray for Tom’s healing. Imagine that. They wanted to pray for him…how cool. Tom sang one more song and we prayed. It was a good night. So Lord, I pray you protect the seeds of hope that was placed in these men. May they find strength in You.

© Nadine Z. 2007

25 comments:

a woman who is said...

I love that you brought hope into a place where that would be a struggle to get a hold of. I love you guys, what an example you are to us all of us. That must have been so cool to share a hope and future through the giftings of God on your lives.

Pro 24:14 so shall knowledge of wisdom be to your soul when you have found there is a future and your hope is not cut off.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful ministry the two of you have together. I think it is awesome that you were able to plant some seeds with this harsh group. Now it is up to God to grow that seed...

Blessings to your Easter weekend.

Damselfly said...

It takes a special person to take on a prison/jail ministry. Good to hear the dream interpretations were encouraging to the people there.

Anonymous said...

What an incredible ministry God has entrusted to you! That's so awesome!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful, uplifting experience!!!!!!!!!!!

Art said...

What a great and worthy ministry. It's something that touches my heart... I've considered doing it myself but I'm sure I wouldn't be as effective as you guys. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I got more information about Tuesday from your blog then from all the questions I asked Ty the other night. How funny is that.
I'm excited to see what will happen in June.

Jenn

Demara said...

I am joining you in prayer Nadine...I too hope that this seed that has been planted, God will water and nourish to full complete growth in Him and their eternal inheritance...May they come to know the TRUE God in a truly complete REAL way!!!

(Love the new pic. too btw. *smile*)

Anonymous said...

How amazing to share your world with people! I knew you had a kind heart when I saw those photos!

Knit-Wit said...

Very cool. My brother is in a prison someplace in AZ. It's great to know that there are people out there who minister to guys like him.

Erin said...

What a beautiful story of hope. It's amazing to see what the Holy Spirit can do in such a place as that. Continue your ministry and we'll pray for the seeds to blossom forth!

Elle*Bee said...

Isn't it wonderful how effectively God can use us, when we just heed the call...

Nise' said...

Thanks for sharing about your prison ministry! Dream intrepretation sounds so interesting. I keep having a dream that my teeth fall out...
It is so nice to put a face to a blogger, thanks for sharing that as well. Enjoy your Easter weekend.

Louise said...

What a great post on hope!! That spoke volumes!! Thanks for sharing that~!
Agreeing with you in prayer!!

Amydeanne said...

what an interesting opportunity you have had! I'm glad you could share Jesus with them.

Trina said...

Wow! Good for you guys! Going to the prison/jails and reaching out to the oppressed. May God bless you for these good deeds.

palmtreefanatic said...

That is REALLY awesome Nadine!
How exciting...God has a plan, no doubt!!!

marykathryn said...

Well that is a rare and wonderful work to be able to go into such tough places and speak on the Word and about the Lord...that is amazing and it takes very special people to do this act and you guys seem like those special kind of people!!

yerdoingitwrong said...

Oh wow. You are special people. I applaud you!! Have a very happy Easter.

Shionge said...

This is so noble and wonderful Nadine, thank you for sharing this with us.

Yes indeed, enjoy the good days and endure the bad....I will always remember that as I enjoy my life with my family :D

Have a wonderful weekend Nadine

Dedee said...

All I can say is Thank You. I love it when people step out and help and I love hearing the stories! Keep it up!

Mrs.Martin said...

I can just imagine you closing your eyes and singing at the start of your meeting believeing God will meet you there. Very interesting and a worthy labor to bring hope to the hopeless. What a joy that would be.

Tracey said...

What a wonderful thing it is that you're doing!

Have a blessed Easter =)

Deb said...

~() ()
~('o') ~*HAPPY EASTER*~
(")_(")

Amazing story, amazing future testimony! What a heart the 2 of you have.

~Crystal~ said...

I believe that too, worship changes things. I love that y'all minister in the prison. I'm sure you have some stories from Riker's. What a gift that they prayed for Tom.